{SBB Bride of the Week} Kathryn

K A T H R Y N

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T Y L E R

{October 14th, 2023}

She is such a classic beauty!

We are so happy to introduce you to our stunning bride, Kathryn!

For her October wedding, Kathryn chose a sparkling sheath gown by Allure Bridals and a 2-tiered veil by Malis Henderson! The gown features a flattering square neckline and lots lace details!

She looked absolutely radiant as she got ready for her big day and shared a sweet first look with her dad.

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

Kathryn’s gorgeous flowers were courtesy of Terry Teske Design out of Crete, Illinois!

We love the subdued fall colors!

Kathryn and her soon-to-be hubby, Tyler, decided to share a special first look before heading down the aisle.

They also shared their personal vows - so sweet!

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

Kathryn and Tyler were married in a beautiful ceremony inside the old Crown Point Courthouse!

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

The reception took place at The Grand ballroom inside of the Courthouse!

The decor was super romantic, with lots of florals, greenery and candles!

{Photos by: Region Weddings}

How did the newlyweds meet?

“At the gym we both went to (that's had about 50 different names over the years, ifykyk..) in Cedar Lake. I was away at college from 2013 - 2017, but every winter and summer break when I was home I would workout here, occasionally running into people I knew growing up in Crete, IL / NWI. When I graduated from Illinois State University in May of 2017, I returned home and started working out there full-time. Tyler started working at the gym that year, and I can remember seeing him in passing a few times a week when I was there throughout the fall of 2017. I never thought anything of it, the gym was where you went to workout: get in, get it done, get out. I was looking for my person, but I sure wasn't looking for him there. It wasn't until I took an interest in participating in personal training that I started to gain support from a new community at the gym. It was thanks to one of those people who ended up introducing us, who had gone to high school with Tyler. Fast forward 2 months later and Tyler asked me on our first date!”

How did Tyler propose?

“In our first home we bought together, it was October 2nd, 2021 on a perfect fall evening. The whole inside of our house was decked out with candles, lights, and the main decor was in the living room which is where he officially got on one knee and asked the question. It was super intimate and meaningful.”

Was it a surprise or did Kathryn have a feeling it was coming?

“I did have a good feeling it would happen, but he did fake me out by doing it later in the evening than I expected. We were out at Bulldog Park in Crown Point for an event, I think I let my guard down around 9pm. So when we got home shortly after and I saw all the lights in the living room I dropped to the floor in excitement LOL.”

Moving on to our favorite topic: dress shopping!

“It was honestly one of the few, actual fun parts of wedding planning in my opinion. It's totally common to run into issues like decision fatigue, body dysmorphia, managing opinions while prioritizing your own, etc. But I think that's why they stress the importance of picking the right entourage to join you when you go to try on dresses. Having the right people and healthy perspectives around you when you're in this vulnerable moment of determining the dress for your wedding day is CRUCIAL. As well as knowing what you like/want when you arrive just enough, while also remaining flexible and open to trying things you didn't plan to. Both things are what made my experience feel fun and exciting. I'm also happy I went twice, and took pictures of all the dresses I tried on that first appointment. After I had a few days to look back at pictures and think through the experience, I was able to focus on the elements that were most important to me, and I had a clearer idea of what looks best on me. The 2nd appt felt even easier because I had already eliminated tons of things I didn't like, but not too many that I didn't have any options. It made selecting the right dress even easier!”

How did Kathryn know her dress was "the one"?

“Because of how it made me feel. It just felt right and I loved how it looked on me, and it wasn't exactly what I had pictured back at the beginning of my search. Which is why I'm grateful I was never too rigid in what I wanted.”

What was her favorite part of the planning process?

“Outside of the dress shopping, it felt fun in general to be the one in charge of the decisions related to the flow of the day. The things that tend to annoy me when I've attended other weddings, or super traditional elements I didn't like, it was great to have that control and say yes to the things that aligned with my vision and no to the things that don't. For example: I'm so glad we made the decision to do a first look. Not only did it make sense logistically so we could attend cocktail hour with our guests, it was a perfect time for us to take a breath and soak in the moment. We also wanted to do personal vows, but preferred to share them with each other privately. There are no rules, curate the flow and structure of the day based on you and your fiance's priorities!”

What about her least favorite part?

“Just all the sacrifice in time, energy, money, etc. that comes with it. My husband and I had to say "no" to more things, events, people, etc. during this time for our own sanity. But if you're surrounded by the right people who care about you, they won't take it personally and do what they can to help!”

Looking back, what was her favorite moment from the wedding?

“You know it was an awesome day from start to finish when this question feels the hardest to answer!! But if I had to say, really the entire reception with my new husband. The relief hit me as soon as I said "I do," and then I just felt completely joyful and excited to celebrate with everyone we love! :) Our ceremony and reception were all at the same venue, so as soon as we walked out of the ceremony site, we immediately went to the reception hall and got to be the first ones to see it all decked out. We were the first ones at the bar, greeting our guests as they came in and it was unforgettable.”

Does Kathryn have any advice for brides-to-be who are currently planning their own big day?

“It's not a question of do you need help, it's how. Speak up about the parts of planning that feel really difficult to navigate, and how the people in your circle can support you best during this chaotic time, especially your fiance. Start thinking of what you can delegate early on, don't wait until you've burned yourself into the ground trying to do it all. This experience taught me how to ask for and receive help with appreciation vs. guilt. And I'm grateful for that!”

Congratulations, Kathryn & Tyler!!

Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Region Weddings in the gallery below!